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The Seattle Mariners will face some difficult roster decisions when outfielder Michael Saunders comes off the DL, writes Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times.
The Mariners currently have five outfielders on their roster- Michael Morse,
Both Ibanez and Bay have struggled in the early going, making the decision on Chavez more difficult. Bay has been respectable at getting on base, but his .219/.324/.344 batting line lacks the power expected from a corner outfielder with limited defensive upside. Ibanez has been even worse, hitting just .182/.234/.364 in 47 plate appearances. However, Ibanez is coming off of a solid .240/.308/.453 season with the Yankees last year that included a heroic post-season performance while Bay has battled injuries and poor performances since leaving the Red Sox after the 2010 season. Neither player gives
Saunders was placed on the 15-day DL on April 11 with a sore right shoulder. He is eligible to come off of it on Friday April 26. The Mariners will be forced to make a decision on their crowded outfield before they can activate him.